Daniel Theodore Ellis, 2/15/2008

Synopsis: About 8:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Ellis, 57, of Modesto was in a parking lot at 1600 G St. when a gold Cadillac Escalade pulled up. The Cadillac's driver attacked Ellis. He collapsed in the parking lot from his injuries and was taken to Doctors Medical Center. By Feb. 29, he had slipped into a coma and was considered brain dead. Ellis was pronounced dead at the hospital March 14.

Motivation: Ellis and the Cadillac's occupants may have exchanged heated words near La Loma Avenue and Burney Street before the beating. Ellis walked off and the men in the Cadillac followed him to the G Street parking lot where the attack happened.

Suspect: Witnesses described Ellis' attacker as a man in his mid-20s with a dark complexion and a "round body." He was about 6 feet tall and weighed about 215 pounds. He was wearing a white shirt and had short dark hair but no facial hair. He and at least one other man were in the Cadillac. His passenger looked similar but was shorter, police said. The attackers fled in the 2002 to 2006 Cadillac, which had 24- to 26-inch custom wheels.

Authorities ask anyone with information about this homicide to call Detective Jon Evers at 572-9534 or Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can e-mail tips on the Crime Stoppers Web site, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

If you would like to submit photos of this victim or have other information to share, please email homicides@modbee.com.